By Justyna Madenska
“Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.” — Proverb
As we approach the publication of this article, it has become increasingly urgent to address a dire situation within our correctional facilities. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and various state and county jails are failing to provide essential medical attention to incarcerated individuals, disregarding a fundamental principle of humane treatment. This issue transcends individual cases; it affects men and women in federal prisons, state facilities, community corrections, and county jails alike. Taxpayer money is not being spent effectively when those who serve their sentences are denied basic medical care. Prisoners are not sentenced to death—unless faced with a death penalty—but they are still entitled to be treated with respect and dignity.
You might wonder why I quoted the butterfly proverb, but let me share the profound connection between Shannon, affectionately known as “Butterfly,” and the essence of these delicate creatures. Shannon’s life, much like that of a butterfly, is a testament to transformation, beauty, and hope, even in the face of adversity. Once a bright star in the Hollywood scene, Shannon had a promising career ahead of her. She was known for her captivating performances and the beauty that radiated from within. But like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, her life took an unexpected turn, leading her down a path that many could not understand. Transformation is a significant theme in both Shannon’s life and the life cycle of a butterfly. Just as a caterpillar undergoes a metamorphosis, shedding its old self to emerge anew, Shannon has faced challenges that have sparked profound personal growth. Even while confined within the walls of prison, she continues to evolve emotionally and spiritually. Her letters and conversations reveal a woman dedicated to self-reflection and improvement, striving to become a better version of herself. In many ways, butterflies symbolize beauty—not just in their vibrant colors and graceful flight, but also in their resilience. Shannon, too, is seen as beautiful. It’s not just her appearance that captures attention; it’s her spirit. She faces each day with courage, demonstrating an inner strength that shines through, even in the most challenging of circumstances. Her ability to maintain hope and positivity amidst her struggles is a beauty that transcends physicality. Like butterflies, Shannon embodies a free spirit. Butterflies glide effortlessly through the air, unbound by limitations. Despite her incarceration, Shannon’s heart yearns for freedom. She dreams of soaring once again, reclaiming her life and the joys that come with it. Her spirit remains untamed, refusing to be confined by her current situation. In her mind, she dances among the flowers, basking in the sunlight, reminding herself that one day, she will be free. For those in prison, the butterfly symbolizes hope—the belief in eventual liberation. Shannon’s story is a beacon of that hope. She envisions a future where she can rise above her past, reclaiming her narrative and making amends for the wrongs she has endured. Each day is a step closer to that dream, as she holds onto the possibility of a brighter tomorrow. Finally, resilience is perhaps the most fitting attribute to describe Shannon and her journey. Just as a butterfly endures a challenging transformation, Shannon has faced numerous obstacles that would have crushed a lesser spirit. Yet, she perseveres. Her determination to overcome adversity is evident in her daily choices, her writing, and her unwavering commitment to self-improvement. She understands that true strength is not the absence of struggle, but the ability to rise each time one falls.In essence, Shannon’s nickname “Butterfly” perfectly encapsulates her journey and spirit. She is a living embodiment of transformation, beauty, freedom, hope, and resilience. As she continues to navigate her path, we are reminded of the powerful connection between her life and the symbolism of butterflies—a reminder that even in confinement, one can hold onto dreams and strive for a brighter future.
The case of Shannon Richardson is a glaring example of the political and systemic failures within our justice system. While many speak about her negatively, I urge you to look deeper. The circumstances surrounding her charges are riddled with red flags. Her estranged husband’s exoneration raises questions about the motivations behind the accusations. It appears that political agendas under the Biden administration have influenced this case and the BOP’s operations, which are clearly faltering.
During my time as a case manager with the Federal Bureau of Prisons under RRC, I was often reminded that my role was to manage cases, not to assist individuals in need. Many inmates arrive with serious medical conditions, only to face denial of care due to policies like Naphcare, which I liken to a nightmare. Additionally, federal inmates under BOP jurisdiction are barred from receiving benefits from Medicaid if they also receive state parole, further complicating their access to necessary healthcare.
What about the women at FCI Dublin, who have suffered sexual, mental, and physical abuse for years at the hands of those in trusted positions? Over 230 individuals have been indicted for serious charges, yet the Obama administration attempted to dismiss these cases simply because the perpetrators were no longer employed there. This is a dangerous precedent that fails to acknowledge the trauma inflicted on these women.
The current administration, under President Biden, seems indifferent to these issues. Reports of women being transported for long hours, surrounded by their abusers, with no regard for their mental well-being, demonstrate a profound lack of compassion and accountability. We cannot remain silent in the face of such injustice. It is imperative to advocate for meaningful reform that ensures all individuals in our correctional system receive the medical care and humane treatment they deserve. It is time to hold our government accountable and push for change that prioritizes dignity and respect for every human life.
Many may know Shannon Richardson as a former actress with a promising career in Hollywood, but her life took a dramatic turn that has left her embroiled in controversy. A mother, a woman, and at one time a devoted wife, Shannon’s story resonates with many inmates in both state and federal prisons. The narratives surrounding her case are filled with accusations—some label her a liar, while others call her a terrorist. However, the question remains: why was her estranged husband, Nathan, never charged alongside her despite being implicated in the same circumstances? It’s intriguing to ponder where Nathan is today and what weight of guilt he may carry for the rest of his life, especially considering the money he gained from Shannon’s bank account, funds she earned through her hard work and dedication. Shannon’s life has been a struggle, battling internal demons like many of us do. We all carry our own baggage, yet we strive to make the best of our situations.
“Shannon Richardson has been arrested. … Shannon’s husband, Nathan Richardson, was named as a person of interest after Shannon contacted authorities about a suspicious substance she found in their refrigerator. Nathan Richardson was questioned by the FBI last week and released. … Attorney John Delk says his client, Nathan Richardson, approached him [last year] about getting a divorce. … ‘We have very good reason to believe it was a setup,’ said Delk.” ?
My interest in her case deepened after reading her letters and speaking to a close friend who is advocating tirelessly for her. I haven’t met Shannon in person yet, as I’m waiting for approval to visit her. We communicate through mutual friends, and she knows that I’m advocating for her alongside her friend. I consider her my friend, and we are very proactive in supporting her. While I cannot disclose her friend’s identity, the conversations have shed light on Shannon’s life and the challenges she faced. I’ve been warned that there are those who would exploit her fame and alleged crime for personal gain. One individual even reached out to me on social media, claiming to know Shannon and declaring that her story would never be made into a film. Yet I believe that one should never say never—there is a memoir of her life waiting to be published.
“Shannon Richardson was convicted on charges of manufacturing and possessing a biological weapon and was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison. In addition to her prison sentence, she was ordered to pay $367,222 in restitution, a $100 special assessment fee for psychological testing, and serve five years of supervised release after her prison term. She is also required to undergo psychological treatment both during and after her incarceration. On July 16, 2014, Richardson, a 36-year-old from New Boston, Texas, was formally sentenced in federal court for sending ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and the leader of Mayors Against Illegal Guns in May 2013. Prosecutors revealed that Richardson mailed the three letters from New Boston, near Texarkana, and then falsely accused her husband of the crime when she reported it to the police. She pleaded guilty in December 2013 to charges of possessing and producing a biological toxin. As part of her plea deal, her prison sentence was capped at 18 years. U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider handed down the formal sentence of 216 months in federal court in Texarkana, Texas. During her sentencing, Richardson appeared emotional and frail, offering apologies to President Obama, Mayor Bloomberg, and others involved. However, she did not apologize to her ex-husband, Nathan Richardson, whom she continues to insist was involved in the crime. She stated in court that she had taken responsibility for her part, but Nathan had not. The former aspiring actress and mother of five will remain in custody in Bowie County until a federal facility is selected for her to serve out her sentence. Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney John Bales called the case “unusual and bizarre” but praised the efforts of East Texas law enforcement. “The investigation was very challenging,” Bales said, “but East Texas law enforcement proved to be incredibly resourceful, determined, and focused throughout the prosecution. It was truly a great job.”
One day, I will tell you the story of Shannon Richardson—a mother, a woman, and a soul who endured unimaginable suffering. I will tell you about her struggles, the abuse, and the torment she faced, often at the hands of those she trusted most. Shannon’s life was plagued with fear, pain, and possibly even sexual abuse by her partners. Her marriage to Nathan was a dark chapter, filled with paranoia. Her own children recall moments when she refused to touch her food, afraid he might poison her. Shannon lived in constant fear, anxiety enveloping her every move. This woman, a mother of five, discovered she was pregnant while incarcerated in county jail. She gave birth to a premature baby boy behind those cold bars. The whereabouts of her baby remain unknown, but we know he survived. I am still piecing together the details, but one thing remains crystal clear: Shannon is a mother, deeply devoted to her children. Never in her wildest dreams would she jeopardize her time with them, let alone participate in the crime she was accused of.
One of the so-called “victims” of this crime is none other than former President Barack Obama. It was a crime that shocked the nation back in 2014. Shannon, accused of sending letters laced with ricin to Obama, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison. But why? What was the truth behind it all? If I were a potential victim of this crime, with the resources and the means that someone like President Obama has, I would want to get to the bottom of this. Nathan, Shannon’s ex-husband, has escaped the scrutiny of the law in this case. Why was he never charged? Why did Shannon take the fall for a crime she didn’t commit? These are the questions that haunt me as I dig deeper into her story. What confounds me further is the restitution demanded as part of her sentence. Does Barack Obama—after two terms in the White House, and all the wealth and power that comes with it—really need this money? His voice has been silent in this matter, and I struggle to understand why.
Shannon wasn’t sentenced to death, yet she is slowly dying in prison. She wasn’t sentenced to inhumane treatment, but every day, she suffers under its weight. And she wasn’t sentenced to a life devoid of her children, yet that is exactly the life she is living.
We are living in 2024, but when you walk into a prison in America, it feels like stepping back into 1970. Despite the advancements in society, the U.S. criminal justice system remains woefully outdated, plagued by ineffective staff, corrupt wardens, and, worst of all, a severe lack of basic medical attention. Every human being, no matter where they are, deserves access to medical care and humane treatment. Yet, in the federal and state prison systems, these basic needs are consistently neglected. I could write this entire article focusing on the case of Shannon Richardson, who is quite literally dying in a federal prison facility. Every day, every hour, every minute counts for her, and yet she is trapped in a system that appears indifferent to her suffering. But Shannon’s case is just one of many. I receive letters, emails, and phone calls from other incarcerated individuals, each detailing how they, too, are denied the medical care they desperately need. It doesn’t matter whether they are in a different state or under a different jurisdiction; the story is tragically the same.
Earlier this year, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) testified before Congress, facing tough questions from Senator John Kennedy. It was an opportunity for her to provide real answers, to take accountability for the abysmal state of federal prisons. Instead, she passed the buck. She blamed others, gave vague responses, and demonstrated a disturbing lack of knowledge about what is happening in the very facilities she oversees. Watching her testimony was a sobering reminder of just how broken the system is. The Director also made an appearance on 60 Minutes, touting the BOP as an organization that offers inmates “wonderful” opportunities for education and social reintegration. She painted a picture of a system that is focused on rehabilitation and personal growth. But there was one major problem: it was a lie. Shortly after the segment aired, people who had spent time inside those very prisons came forward, revealing that the footage was staged. Once again, the BOP managed to pass the audit of public opinion by showing a carefully crafted façade, but the reality is that they continue to waste taxpayer money while failing the very people in their care. I can tell you from personal experience that this is how the BOP operates. On paper, everything looks pristine. In reality, it’s a disaster—a disaster built on the backs of people like Shannon Richardson, who are struggling to survive in these inhumane conditions.
Shannon, who has been transferred to a medical facility run by the BOP, is now housed in a place that is supposedly designed for individuals with severe medical and mental health conditions. These facilities are supposed to have medical staff available 24/7, but the letters and messages Shannon has sent me paint a much darker picture. She describes a place where medical care is barely available, where basic human needs are routinely ignored. The treatment she and others endure is disturbing, inhumane, and should be a source of national shame.
The United States has signed international conventions that require the humane treatment of inmates, including providing adequate medical care. Yet time and time again, we fail to live up to these commitments. I firmly believe that, at some point, the U.S. will be held accountable for not complying with the international standards it agreed to uphold.
But how many more people have to suffer before that happens? How many more stories like Shannon’s need to be told before we realize that reform is not just necessary—it is urgent? The federal and state justice systems must undergo a complete overhaul, not just on paper but in reality. We cannot keep ignoring the voices of those inside, pleading for basic dignity and care.
U.S. has signed or not signed relevant conventions:
United Nations Convention Against Torture (CAT)
Signed: Yes, the U.S. signed the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 1988 and ratified it in 1994.
Key Provisions: The CAT prohibits acts of torture and mandates humane treatment for prisoners. While the U.S. is a signatory, there have been numerous reports of cruel and degrading treatment in U.S. prisons, including solitary confinement, overcrowding, lack of healthcare, and physical abuse.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
Signed: Yes, the U.S. signed the ICCPR in 1977 and ratified it in 1992.
Article 10: “All persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person.”
Criticism: The U.S. has been criticized for failing to fully comply with this covenant, particularly with regard to overcrowding, prison conditions, and solitary confinement, which many consider to violate human dignity standards.
Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT)
Signed: No, the U.S. has not signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), which establishes an international system of regular visits to places of detention to prevent torture and other inhumane treatment.
Implications: By not signing OPCAT, the U.S. avoids mandatory international monitoring of its detention facilities, which could otherwise provide more oversight regarding the treatment of inmates.
U.S. Constitution – Eighth Amendment
Cruel and Unusual Punishment: The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment.” While this is a domestic legal standard, it is often cited in cases of prison abuse, poor conditions, and mistreatment of inmates.
Case Law: U.S. courts have ruled on numerous occasions regarding inhumane conditions in prisons. In Estelle v. Gamble (1976), the U.S. Supreme Court found that deliberate indifference to the serious medical needs of prisoners constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. However, enforcement of these standards can vary significantly by state and facility.
United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules)
Signed: The U.S. generally adheres to the principles of the Nelson Mandela Rules, although these are non-binding international guidelines.
Key Focus: The rules set minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners, including access to healthcare, humane living conditions, and limits on solitary confinement.
Application in the U.S.: While the Mandela Rules have influenced prison reform efforts, the U.S. is criticized for practices like solitary confinement, where individuals are sometimes held in isolation for years, which some human rights advocates argue violates these standards.
Human Rights Criticism and Reports
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Human Rights Watch regularly report on the mistreatment of U.S. inmates, particularly in regard to solitary confinement, the treatment of mentally ill prisoners, and the healthcare provided to incarcerated individuals.
In 2017, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Torture criticized U.S. use of solitary confinement as a form of torture, especially in regard to its impact on inmates’ mental health.
While I want to respect Shannon’s privacy, it is also crucial that I remain transparent. The public deserves to know what is happening inside the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and how inmates like Shannon are being mistreated under the guise of justice. Shannon is currently housed in a medical facility operated by the BOP, but despite the supposed availability of 24/7 medical attention, her condition is deteriorating rapidly. Shannon is confined to a wheelchair, unable to move without assistance, yet she is being told that she is “too independent” and needs to rely less on others. This absurd reasoning has led to dangerous and humiliating incidents, including being forced to attempt tasks—like walking up stairs—that she physically cannot manage. The message is clear: the BOP does not care about her safety or dignity. In one especially distressing incident, Shannon was being transported to a hospital from prison. Despite being in a wheelchair, she was not properly secured. As the van sped along the road, Shannon fell, screaming in pain and begging the driver to stop. The driver dismissed her cries, coldly stating, “We’re almost there.” How much disregard must someone endure before the system takes notice?
I’ve reviewed Shannon’s medical records and consulted with multiple doctors and professors who agree: Shannon’s condition is critical. She requires constant medical supervision, something the prison cannot provide. The fact that she is still incarcerated in such dire circumstances defies logic and basic human decency. Her body is giving out, her spirit is shattered, and yet she remains trapped in a place that offers nothing but more suffering. One doctor referred to her as the “walking dead,” a haunting comparison to the roles she once played in movies, but now, tragically, her reality.
“I’m writing to bring to your immediate attention some serious concerns regarding Shannon Richrdson BOP inmate placed in FMC Carswell medical care. On Saturday, August 24, she was sent to JPS Hospital for a severe, gaping, and weeping infection on her chest. A CT scan revealed a massive infection that requires surgery, which she was told has been scheduled, though I and her we both remain skeptical given past experiences.
She was administered one course of antibiotics before being sent back with a prescription for more. However, upon her return, she was shocked to find herself wearing a filthy, blood and ooze-soaked chuck under her shirt against the infected area on her chest. This chuck was not removed or cleaned for five hours after her return, despite Shannon Richardson repeated requests to the nursing staff for wound care. The infection is located just 1-2 inches from her heart, and disturbingly, no dressings—not even a band-aid—were applied.
While a wound care order was eventually put in place, it was only because Ms. Winkle, the guard who was present, insisted on it, knowing that without such an order, the Bureau of Prisons would likely neglect it.
Additionally, Shannon Richardson has repeatedly asked Mr. Okoh for help with personal care, particularly after accidents, as she currently the only one required to change herself. This situation is causing her continuous injury, as evidenced by the wounds she already has, including one on her lower right leg for which she is still receiving care. Despite the obvious risks and her desperate need for assistance, Shannon had been told “I must remain “independent” and continue to pay the price for this neglect”.
I am reaching out to you Director with the words of an inmate under your care Shannon Richardson she is a human, she is a woman and mother, who is currently unable to manage her physical and mental health due to her condition. As someone who has a responsibility not only as a BOP employee but also as a human being, a husband, and a father, I urge you to consider this situation with the compassion it desperately needs. Would you accept your own family member being treated this way? The treatment she has endured is not only against the law but also against any moral standard. This is beyond unacceptable—it’s inhumane. Shannon has been subjected to an ordeal that no one should have to endure.” J.Madenska
“I have even considered the extreme options of either not eating, to avoid accidents altogether, or continuing to eat and risking further injury by having to change myself. Not eating is starting to seem like the only viable option, but I am reaching out in hopes of avoiding such drastic measures. I have pleaded for help, and PT has ordered that I be changed every two hours, but this order is being disregarded. On Wednesday, I was reminded (not helped) at 5:30 PM; on Thursday, only at 2 PM; on Friday, things improved slightly; on Saturday, no help was provided at all before I was taken to the hospital around 11 AM; and today, Sunday, there has been no assistance whatsoever. If the staff are documenting differently, it is not reflective of reality.” Shannon Richardson.
“August 24th, 2024 The following information was provided by an inmate BOP Shannon Richardson. On Saturday, August 24, she was sent to JPS Hospital for a severe, gaping, and weeping infection on her chest. A CT scan revealed a massive infection that requires surgery, which she was told has been scheduled, though I and her we both remain skeptical given past experiences. She was administered one course of antibiotics before being sent back with a prescription for more. However, upon her return, she was shocked to find herself wearing a filthy, blood and ooze-soaked chuck under her shirt against the infected area on her chest. This chuck was not removed or cleaned for five hours after her return, despite Shannon Richardson repeated requests to the nursing staff for wound care. The infection is located just 1-2 inches from her heart, and disturbingly, no dressings—not even a band-aid—were applied. While a wound care order was eventually put in place, it was only because Ms. Winkle, the guard who was present, insisted on it, knowing that without such an order, the Bureau of Prisons would likely neglect it. Additionally, Shannon Richardson has repeatedly asked Mr. Okoh for help with personal care, particularly after accidents, as she is currently the only one required to change herself. This situation is causing her continuous injury, as evidenced by the wounds she already has, including one on her lower right leg for which she is still receiving care. Despite the obvious risks and her desperate need for assistance, Shannon had been told “I must remain “independent” and continue to pay the price for this neglect”. I have even considered the extreme options of either not eating, to avoid accidents altogether, or continuing to eat and risking further injury by having to change myself. Not eating is starting to seem like the only viable option, but I am reaching out in hopes of avoiding such drastic measures. I have pleaded for help, and PT has ordered that I be changed every two hours, but this order is being disregarded. On Wednesday, I was reminded (not helped) at 5:30 PM; on Thursday, only at 2 PM; on Friday, things improved slightly; on Saturday, no help was provided at all before I was taken to the hospital around 11 AM; and today, Sunday, there has been no assistance whatsoever. If the staff are documenting differently, it is not reflective of reality.” Shannon Richardson.
August 29th, 2024. Dr. Miller finally spoke with me yesterday and was very courteous. He mentioned that he had consulted with Ms. Timmons from wound care, who informed him that the right breast implant is ruptured and needs to be removed immediately due to the infection it’s causing. Dr. Miller also reviewed a CT scan from the hospital (though I’m unsure when I was hospitalized) which confirms the ruptured implant and a significant infection. When I asked about next steps, he said they would arrange for a plastic surgeon to remove it as soon as possible. I couldn’t help but laugh—BOP and “as soon as possible” don’t seem to go together. The situation is incredibly uncomfortable and unpleasant, and I urgently want it addressed.
August 30th, 2024 Shannon has been vomiting all day, and at wound care, they removed pieces of the implant gel. The infection site, which was previously draining clear fluid, is now bloody and not clear. Shannon mentioned that it looks like she’s had a severe issue, and the nurses are uncertain why the drainage changed from clear to blood. She is about to see the nurses, which means she might miss our visit. She doesn’t sound well at all. With all due respect to the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the medical staff at Carswell, I was under the impression that your medical professionals are highly trained to make critical decisions that could mean the difference between life and death. My question is: who are these medical staff members without formal medical education or significant experience in hospital settings and patient care? This concern is not just about Shannon but about the overall standard of care at the facility. I’m not expecting a luxury experience; rather, I want to ensure that everything is properly documented. While I don’t anticipate a direct response from the facility, having a detailed paper trail and email documentation is crucial. This will be important when the BOP conducts audits, whether internal or from other agencies such as the DOJ. Another issue has recently arisen. “Shannon was given an IR for a dirty UA! Apparently, they took her for a UA on
August 24th at 12:05 AM, and it came back positive for Suboxone. They sent it to the lab, and it came back “positive.” But they told her she’s not in the SHU because of her medical condition! This is unbelievable! They served her the IR yesterday at 2:00 PM. On top of that, people complained to the warden about the INAs assisting with diaper changes and other personal tasks. Now, the INAs are no longer allowed to do that, and the nurses have to step in… which we all know they barely do. This means that now the MEN can change her and give her bed baths, which makes her very uncomfortable1. She’d rather have someone “equal” to her handling those tasks, not the staff… not that they do much anyway, but still. The only positive is that everyone is standing up for her, saying there’s NO WAY she could’ve…” 1 The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has specific policies and regulations regarding the treatment of inmates, including rules about staff interactions and touching. These policies are outlined in various forms, including the BOP Program Statements and other directives. The key regulation that governs staff conduct with inmates, including issues of physical touch, is generally tied to standards of professionalism, respect for inmate dignity, and the importance of maintaining safety and security within the institution.Under no circumstances should Shannon be bathed or touched by male staff, except for a doctor. If there are any changes in this arrangement, it needs to be discussed with her. I have zero tolerance for any form of abuse, and this situation raises concerns about potential liability for the BOP rather than serving as an asset. Why would you allow a vulnerable female—who is paralyzed, has dementia, and cannot protect herself—to be handled by male staff? This seems reminiscent of issues from FCI Dublin. Procedural guidelines for interactions between male and female staff, including those involving transgender and non-binary individuals, should be strictly followed to prevent unnecessary problems. Thank you, Warden.” Shannon Richardson.
I ask myself how much more Shannon can handle. I also wonder how much more I can bear, as I watch her deteriorate while advocating for her release from this nightmare. Every day that goes by is another day stolen from her life, and I fear there isn’t much time left.
Our tax dollars fund the Bureau of Prisons. Our money is supposed to be used for rehabilitation, for humane treatment, for meeting the basic needs of those behind bars. Yet, the reality is that we are funding inhumane treatment. Shannon, and others like her, are subjected to negligence that borders on cruelty. Where is the accountability? Where are the answers? This is not just a call for reform—this is a demand for justice. Shannon Richardson needs to be released. She deserves to spend whatever time she has left in a facility that can offer her the medical care she so desperately needs. The BOP and the public need to understand that this is not a matter of rehabilitation or punishment anymore; this is a matter of survival.
To the Bureau of Prisons, to our government, and to the community at large: I urge you to open your eyes to what is happening. Shannon Richardson’s life is slipping away, and every minute that passes without action is another minute closer to her death. We do not need more staged photo-ops or fabricated stories about the wonderful things happening in our prison system. What we need are answers, accountability, and change.
We live in 2024, not 1984. We want more than just empty promises—we demand justice for Shannon Richardson and all the others who have been denied basic human rights in the very system designed to protect them. It is time for us to rise up and demand better from the institutions that are meant to serve us.
Shannon’s life depends on it.
The time for reform is now. We cannot afford to wait any longer.
But how many more people have to suffer before that happens? How many more stories like Shannon’s need to be told before we realize that reform is not just necessary—it is urgent? The federal and state justice systems must undergo a complete overhaul, not just on paper but in reality. We cannot keep ignoring the voices of those inside, pleading for basic dignity and care.
My message to you, Mr. President, is this: I hope you will read this with an open heart and an open mind. Shannon’s life is slipping away, piece by piece. Her health is deteriorating. She is alone, isolated from her children, family, friends from her freedom, and from justice. With the power you hold, you have the ability to look into this case and perhaps bring about a compassionate release for her. This is not a plea for forgiveness, but for mercy.
Shannon deserves a chance to live her life in peace, Mr. President, I hope this message reaches you.
“Lord — Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me an instrument of your will.” — Barack Obama
